Feeling like a human and not just a pile of snot and tears is difficult during a season of grief. I had no interest in looking like a supermodel, but I did want to be able to go to the grocery store without looking like a swamp monster. These essential toiletries made looking normal, even if I didn’t feel normal, possible in my grief: 

(FYI, none of these are affiliate links. Maybe someday they will be, but for now they are just regular links.)

Dry Shampoo – this is one of the best inventions ever. After Aubrey and Ellie died I leaned heavily on the brunette colored hair powder to help show my face without looking like a homeless woman. 

face cleansing towelettes – Grief takes every ounce of energy you have. I was so tired most nights, washing my face was impossible. These did the job when my energy was gone. I’d keep them by my bed so I didn’t even have to walk into the bathroom. 

waterless toothbrush – I can’t tell you how many times I got in the car to go somewhere and realized in the fog of my grief I didn’t even brush my teeth. I kept these in my purse for those “oh crap” moments and they served their purpose beautifully.

Calendula Cream – Crying a lot and using a thousand tissues causes chapped skin around the nose, lips, and eyes. This cream has a cooling gel-like texture that I loved on my raw, grief-stricken skin.  It absorbs well without the shininess of an ointment so I could wear it during the day. 

At night I’d apply it to the chapped areas of my face and cover it with Aquaphor while I slept. It helped my skin heal so I could show my face in public without feeling self-conscious. 

waterproof mascara – For me, mascara helped me feel like I was making an effort. Not an effort to be pretty, but an effort to belong to the land of the living. A little mascara was dignifying and since I cried every single day for two years, only waterproof would do. 

Not sure where to begin to heal after loss? Start with this FREE Grief Guide. It’s the best first step you can take.

What have you found helps you feel human in your grief? 

Send an email to Rachel@thegriefgal.com and tell me about it. I’d love to know.